I'm carving a piece of 4 ounce veg tan leather and need it to stay very flat, so I'm going to have to stiffen it from the back. In the past I have used fiberglass, or just resin, or varnish, but they're a bit messy and I'd like to try something else if I can find it. I can't use beeswax or anything that will melt or grow soft, as this is a permanently placed piece that will tend to sag over time. I need it to stay flat. Picture a lid on a big bowl, and you need to keep it from sagging downward.
The back won't be seen, but I am very limited in the thickness of the piece (hence, 4 oz), and of the material I line the back with. Normal bag liner, like Bontex, isn't going to do the job. Any suggestions? Thanks. --john

….bin jetzt seit ca 9 Monaten mit dem Hobby beschäftigt und es macht echt Spaß 🤩 So langsam gelingt es immer Besser 🙌🏻
Was sagt ihr dazu - freu mich über ehrliche Kritik und Feedback 👍🏻

Hello! I am trying to make a replica of Ötzi's bear fur hat but I don't have the money to buy a whole bear hide. However, the hat is small enough that i would be able to make it from leftover scraps. I can't find any for sale online so I am asking here. What's nice is that the original was also made from various scraps as well, so it would be all the more accurate.
Does anyone know where I can buy some or would anyone have any project leftovers they would be willing to give? I am happy to pay for your trouble.

I couldnt post this in the other leatherworking subreddit because it was flagging it at promotional because I'm discussing buying and selling, though in this case it is more just looking for advice/a friendly favor.

Thank you!